PEOPLE with type 2 diabetes are being invited to have their say on how they receive information to help them manage their condition.
NHS Western Isles has teamed up with the University of the Highlands and Islands to find out if new technologies could be used to help patients learn about life with type 2 diabetes.
People with the condition are being asked to fill out a questionnaire or have their say in focus groups which will be run in Stornoway over the next two months.
Speaking about the study, Dr Jenny Hall, from the university’s Centre for Rural Health, said: “Health guidelines recommend that all adults with type 2 diabetes in Scotland should have access to patient education programmes to help them manage their condition.
“Some of the most effective programmes bring patients together in a group, where a trained healthcare professional can stimulate questions and discussion.
“This is not always possible in remote and rural areas though, as there may not be enough people locally to run sessions or people may have to travel a long way.
“We are working with service users and providers to try to understand the issues and see if we can use technology to create a more accessible service.
“We hope to find out what technologies service users already have and will also look at any other options that might provide a solution, including smart phone apps, online meeting rooms and video-conferencing.
“I’d encourage people with type 2 diabetes to get in touch so they can help to shape the way they and others like them learn about their condition.”
Please contact Jenny Hall on 01463 279566 or at jenny.hall@uhi.ac.uk to help with the study.
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